What a season this will be!!! Can either team claim promotion?
Ben Greenhalgh | Warren Schulz | Man Vs Fat | Sunday League & more FREE Pick me up & take me home
Ramsgate News Update
Ramsgate Womens Overview
Margate Womens Overview
Ramsgate / Margate Fixtures & Results
Man V Fat - Margate
Ben Greenhalgh Interview
Football Fun Factory
Nostalgia - Margate Vs Fulham 1997
Thanet Youth Football Overview
Russel Goldsmith Publisher
We caught up with Warren and interviewed him about his time at Ramsgate FC, telling us his stories and what it was like playing for such an incredible side in the 2005/06 season, where his side reached the FA Cup First Round proper and won the Ryman Division One title.
Playing together as a team is vital, not just playing alongside each other, actually playing together! Playing for each other, looking to set someone else up rather than keeping the ball yourself. You need to win together and lose together, no man in it for himself. I’ve been lucky to play with some of the best groups of lads that have made my experience that much better.
Starting at Ramsgate the team was filled with 90% local lads, we were all there for the same reason. To play some good football for our local team, with some good friends. It was a great changing room to be in and that’s important for any team.
[The teams] First season in the Kent League was tough, it was a tough league to win. It was very physical, not the best of pitches and scrappy football. So, I learnt to adapt my
game as did the other players, we changed our game and played for each other as well as ourselves. Luckily, we went on to win the double and the charity shield, that really got things rolling. So, I guess it was that Team of Lads that made me a better player.
I was very privileged in my teens to attend Lilleshall school for excellence for 2 years while playing for Chelsea, I was one of the lucky few travelling to Cobham for half term to play our matches alongside the first team. I learnt so much in those years that are still in my game now.
I had so many highlights in my years at Ramsgate, with back-to-back promotions and the Play Offs. Losing to Stains still hurts now though. Winning the Ryman League cup was something else. Back then the Leagues were full of big teams, some of which are now in the Football League or Conference football. Looking back that was definitely a big one for me, what an amazing night that was with an amazing team and our loyal fans as vocal as always.
There was a 3-year period in which we achieved 2 promotions and FA cup proper, we were virtually unbeatable with the closeness of our team. Not just the regular starting 11 but the whole squad, me the new lad who came into a squad of local lads just fitted in perfectly. It was a joy to be around those lads, they were special days, and I truly believe that was the secret to our success. Every player would do anything for another and with Jim and Danny there to guide us. They knew how to win games and let us play with freedom (which you don’t see too much in today’s game, it’s all a bit robotic).
I was Captain for 7 years through some real highs as well as some lows. Being Captain for my home team club was a privilege and an honour that I didn’t expect season after season but that I always tried my best to earn. The trust of the players, management and the fans made it easier to do the job. Getting to lead the lads the way I did and to achieve what we did is honestly an achievement I will always be proud of.
I hate questions like this… um that I’m loyal, to the team and to the Club.
I learnt as a youth player that it was key to give quiet words of encouragement with certain players, while others an arm around the shoulders was all that was needed. There are players who know they’re not at their best and just need to know you’ve seen it. A certain look and they knew to pull their weight and prepare right.
While I was captain of Ramsgate, I took the calm positive way and let my performances motivate the boys. I always tried to keep the lads positive and together. The lads were all superb and it was easy. Every player got on and we enjoyed training together (well, most of us).
Yes, I still play. The last 2-3 years just with Sunday sides, I have also started to take part in Charity matches. We play for some amazing causes. I’m also playing with Ramsgate FC Masters, a brand-new league started up within Isthmian league. Along with the likes of Whitstable, Herne Bay and Hythe, which I’m loving.
I am also representing Kent FA Masters which should be interesting.
One of the most important things I learnt is balance. Balancing football with your family and work. It’s hard to do (especially 13 years in a row).
Only one big one really, It was stopping football at the age of 16. I didn’t start playing again until I was about 20, a friend asked me to play for his Sunday side and I caught the bug again.
I played for a few years with my brothers, they joined Rams and I followed around age 24. There always that, who knows, you know?
You need dedication on and off the pitch, use any spare time practising, even just having a ball at your feet. Also study football, in my opinion football is mostly played with your head not your feet. You need to always be 2 steps ahead of everyone watching the game. A lot of youngsters now think it’s all about the skills and tricks to help you make it. Stay off social media for gratification or acknowledgment. Its dangerous [and] too many opinions. Not saying don’t use them just don’t judge yourself based off there.
620 games in total (so I was informed), 493 League games, 127 other games.
We’d like to thank Warren for taking the time to talk to us and give us an insight into his career and what it was like playing at Ramsgate
What an amazing season we’ve had with all three divisions being highly competitive and showing some quality football being displayed.
We saw Saints FC take the premier division title with a dominant showing throughout the season, Windmill FC won the first division title in a competitive battle with Hussar FC where the sides met on the last game of the season, and where Windmill FC showed a dominant performance to win 7-1 and confirm the title and the double. As they also won the First Division Cup in a hard-fought game against Monkton FC at the WW Martin Stadium home of Ramsgate FC.
Lanthorne FC showed great form as they came away with The Challenge Cup and the Premier Division Cup with wins over title winners Saints FC and Pro Parts United, both finals where Aaron Westgate photographed the whole thing and all images are available on our website. Scan the QR code to see the incredible shots from the final between Lanthorne FC and Pro Parts United FC.
The Second Division had a runaway title winner as Lesters Athletic FC dominated the league and with only one loss in 22 games claiming the title. Macies FC came away with the Junior Invitation Cup with a 5-4 victory over Thanet Athletic FC.
FC Inter Westgate won the Second Division Cup with a dramatic final that was settled on penalties to secure victory over Sandwich Town FC.
Scan below to see a gallery of images from the Premier Division Cup Final.
We have loved seeing the banter between the teams over Instagram as a wide selection teams have kept us amused with a selection of entertaining stories and photoshop mock ups of the players heads superimposed hilariously onto stock imagery.
The Senior Invitation Cup saw a heated encounter between Kings United FC and Pro Parts United, that saw Kings United FC take the trophy with a 3-1 win. The encounter certainly had its drama, but that’s what we love about Sunday League football. To see the full highlights from the game scan the QR code and see all the action.
It’s been an incredible season with an array of incredible football being played and we’ve seen some intense cup finals held at WW Martin Stadium also known as Southwood, the home of Ramsgate FC. Thanet has shown that we do have some outstanding talent on show and from the Premier Division to the second Division, the standard of football has remained high with players showing individual elite performances and teams working together as a unit. The camaraderie and the banter between the teams is what Sunday league is all about and the activity from the team on social platforms certainly showcases this with most the teams having their own Instagram pages and sharing their take on games - causing a stir a lot of the time.
We love to see this and hope it continues into the new season with more teams being added to the second division including The Prince Albert FC and Shrimpos FC which is a team put together in memory of Stephen Shrimpton.
“FOOTBALL’S
SENIOR
JUNIOR
CHALLENGE
3,000 Rams celebrated wildly in monsoon conditions, Ben Smith and Lee Hook mobbed JT, TJ and the Pax twins whilst Seb and Sean joyously embraced.
The Rams had defied the odds and a true FA cup first round giant killing had occurred on our Isle.
Our club and charity exist to provide opportunity to local people through football and the 23/24 season visually demonstrated our success to the world.
Mike Bushall and the BBC, Gabriel Clarke and ITV and a Monday night under the lights game against former cup winners Wimbledon live on TV was all to follow. But the foundations for these incredible moments had been laid over the 4 previous years through a determination to create a vibrant self-sustaining club.
An understanding that Ramsgate FC is the towns club created a connection with local families far deeper than football. Every holiday our army of teachers help local children learn to swim, ride bikes and even tour the town they live from the bird’s eye view of a helicopter.
The people of Ramsgate support their town. The 2023/24 season saw an average attendance of 1075 which is the highest at our level in the country. Our crowd consists of Mums, Dads, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nans and Grandads
of kids who play for our huge youth system and attend our community programmes. Many others from across the Town now set aside their Saturday afternoons to cheer the Rams to achieve ambitions of promotion.
“RAMSGATE ARE MASSIVE! EVERYWHERE WE GO”
HOW IT
What a season the Rams have had with an amazing FA Cup run and taking the title race down to the wire, missing out right at the last minute on automatic promotion and reaching the play offs. Where unfortunately they fell short in a hard thought battle against Chichester City FC on a rainy dismal evening at The WW Martin Community Stadium.
A last gasp winner from Chichester secured the win which led to their promotion after beating Three Bridges 5-0 in the play-off final. (Match report available on our website).
The Rams certainly deserved promotion after a dominant season, leading the table for most of it but was pipped at the post by Cray Valley in the title deciding game, where a draw just wasn’t good enough for the Rams.
The game saw a record attendance of 2,563. Not only was this Ramsgate’s highest home league attendance since 1961 but it was the 10th highest non-league attendance in the country!
The Rams went on to get an emphatic win over Chichester City FC to keep their title hopes alive but had a nightmare situation against Three Bridges FC and lost, ruining their title hope but putting them in the play-off places.
Eighth-tier Ramsgate pulled off a shock win over National League side Woking at the WW Martin Community Stadium to book their place in round two of the FA Cup.
courtesy of AT Photography
A long ball sent TJ Jadama behind the Woking defence and the midfielder stabbed the ball past Woking goalkeeper Will Jaaskelainen. Which won Mitre Goal of the Emirates FA Cup first round.
After seeing a goal ruled out just before the hour for offside, the Rams put themselves in front with 18 minutes left through a well-struck free kick from Lee Martin.
This saw a giant killing and put the Rams in the second round of the FA Cup where they faced AFC Wimbledon. Unfortunately, the fairytale couldn’t continue and in a hard fought battle, The Rams saw defeat in a 5-0 loss.
“Look it’s always disappointing to lose games of football, no matter who you are playing that feeling just doesn’t go away. In this case, we came up against the best version of a top-quality outfit, incredibly professional on and off the pitch and write the game off as a fantastic experience for everyone connected with the club. We also look back at the run itself with immense pride of what we have accomplished and again I include everyone in this, from the support away at Totton to the relentless work of volunteers against Woking this really was a great show of what Ramsgate Football Club can do.”
Ben Smith - Ramsgate FC Manager 2023/24 Season
With a season of highs and lows, Ramsgate Football Club certainly showed that they truly are massive. We look forward to the up-and-coming season and with new management and players they will look for that promotion spot. It will be a tough season with their arch-rivals Margate FC now being in the same league creating an intense Thanet Derby at least two times this coming season.
Go to page 10 to see all the news from Ramsgate FC for the new season including transfer news, management news and pre-season form.
I feel that it’s only fair to give you, our members, an insight into what has happened behind the scenes at the club this summer.
Firstly, it’s important to outline that the success of the club over the past four years has been built on foundations of community togetherness. The youth section has grown from 100 to at times nearly 1,000. Season ticket holders have increased from just under 30 to over 300, average crowds from just over 200 to over a thousand, away support from a small band of regulars to coach loads. Whilst community projects have risen from negligible to thousands of meals being served and kids enjoying activities that even include flights around Thanet.
Together we have enjoyed one of our greatest ever seasons. A record points total, our best ever runs in the FA cup and FA trophy whilst our local centre forward broke the 50-goal ceiling.
Standing in the rain after defeat against Chichester in the play-off semi-final it seemed impossible that a season with so many highs ended with such a low.
Nobody felt this more deeply than Ben. A very emotional interview followed where things were said in the heat of extreme disappointment. Seb and I met Ben a few days after the game to confirm the new structure at the club that included Ben as first team manager for 2024/25 and Seb as director of football. We were all still hurting but Ben who is usually such a positive larger than life character still acutely felt the disappointment of not achieving our goals.
May is one of the busiest months for ambitious people in non-league football. The vast majority of players are noncontracted and available before league forms are issued in June. The truth is that myself, Seb and other stakeholders were keen to see us get around the table, but Ben needed more time to recover from the play off semi-final defeat. Eventually this resulted in the discussion with Ben where we all agreed that the best way to build a foundation for success this season was with a new manager.
We appointed Tony who has a very impressive managerial record. He quickly moved the majority of our squad on and brought in a number of new and very talented players. Many of these have been training with us and were scheduled to play on Friday although had not finalised their deals.
That brings me onto Friday!
The whole club was very excited to see Tony’s time at the club officially start with our friendly against Kennington. The standard football club chats and messages were exchanged, and it was refreshing to feel genuinely positive on a rare Friday match day.
At around midday we received a message from Tony resigning from the club. Although unclear at first, this seems to have stemmed from a miscommunication over small elements of agreements made when Tony took the job. These types of issues are common in any business and are often solved through communication but that was not to be achieved on this occasion. Seb contacted members of the coaching team to find out more information with a very keen eye on the friendly that was just hours away. We received confirmation at 16.30 that the management team would not be travelling to the match.
It is an unfortunate, unplanned situation but one where we now need to focus on the future and our preparations for the season ahead. Football teaches us to expect and deal with the unexpected.
From this point onwards you are pretty much caught up. We moved quickly to inform Kennington, the players and officials and to make a statement.
I want to sincerely apologise to all of you guys and to Kennington for having to cancel the game on Friday evening, but you now have an understanding of the position we were in.
The future is very bright for the coming season. The key objective of the club is to sustainably provide entertainment to the local community. We have great people including fans, players, coaches and backroom staff who have become very good at achieving these goals.
A huge welcome to Steve Rollings and his management team who were formerly known as Ashford FC and play in the Kent County Premier league.
It’s a stated ambition of Ramsgate FC to get more local players into the first team and beyond. FA coach developer and UEFA A coach Seb Tidey has recently taken on the role of director of football, and this is one of his key long-term objectives.
Seb has worked in professional environments where young players are placed in senior football to help accelerate their development.
Steve Rollings stated ambition for being in football is to help young players move up the pyramid and once he became aware that we were seeking a partner to help achieve this same goal, things moved very quickly.
The two management teams’ shared goals of youth development are a great fit and as a result many local youngsters will get the opportunity to show case themselves in front of good crowds, on a 3G surface this season.
Ramsgate Athletic, whose nickname is the Steamers, will play at the WW Martin Community stadium on Saturday afternoons when the first team are away. The side will be packed with young local talent and it would be great to see Rams fans cheer them on if they are unable to make away trips.
After the disruption of Tony Russell leaving the club, Ramsgate Football Club, under the leadership of Ben Smith and Captain Joe Taylor, put in a spell of strong performances pre-season.
With a few trialists showcasing their abilities, Zack Jobe stood out as a player to watch in the new season with a series of game changing performances, scoring some absolutely amazing goals and contributing to a handful of assists, and proving himself to be an outstanding talent.
It’s great to see local lads in the squad and playing for the first team. We look forward to seeing the local talent and the new signings push for that promotion that the Rams so narrowly missed out on last season.
JOE TAYLOR SCORING PRE-SEASON AGAINST BEARSTED IN A 3-2 WIN, HIS GOALSCORING FORM CONTINUES AHEAD
AARON BARNES
CONNOR WILKINS
ARTHUR PENNEY
TOM CARLSE
JAY LEADER
JOE ELLUL
LEWIS GARD
TUSHAUN TYREESE-WALTERS
ROARIE DEACON
ZACK JOBE
JOSH AJAYI
VANCE BOLA
TOM CLIFFORD
ANDREW TIRIVANHU
TOM HADLER
TIJAN JADAMA
JACK S PAXMAN
BENNY BIOLETTI
JOE TAYLOR
ALFIE PAXMAN
MEDY ELITO
JACK PAXMAN
WES HENNESSEY
JACK PARTER
MIKE WEST
CRAIG STONE
JOE TURNER
JORDAN GREEN
LEE MARTIN
JOE TAYLOR RETAINED - CAPTAIN
It was a season of highs and lows for the Ramsgate Women’s side in Kent Division 2 East, they saw some emphatic victories showing class and great teamwork. The team is growing from strength to strength and improving each game. Chloe Watts has done a fantastic job managing the team, creating strong work ethic and the determination
to win. The club have recently partnered with Her Game Too, a Non-Profit Organisation tackling sexism and promoting inclusivity, founded May 2021.
Ramsgate FC look forward to the new season and have made some incredible additions to the squad for the 2024/25 season. If you are interested in joining the squad, contact Chloe on 07591508109 or email ramsgatewomenfc@gmail.com.
ROSIE WATTS CENTRE BACK
PLAYERS PLAYER
KATIE HOYLE
A well deserved trophy and chosen by the players within the squad.
MANAGERS AWARD
GALLIA YATES
Again, another well deserved trophy. The dedication and passion behind her play is shown in both training and matches, she’s a key player within our squad, and has shown key roles and responsibilities for an award like this!
“What can I say about this team and this season, let’s just say it’s been a whirlwind, full of highs and lows. No words can describe how much dedication each player puts in when they wear the Ramsgate Shirt. We have reached highs with the development of players, setting targets which keep them developing. We push forward towards the summer in pre season, attracting new players into the club and we are excited for season 2024-25! UP THE RAMS!!!”
- Chloe Watts- Ramsgate Fc Women’s Manager
Margate FC Women etched their place in the club’s history books this season, as they played in the final of the League Cup for the first time since their reformation in 2014.
Although the team reached the final stages of the competition during Covid years, the competition was ruled null and void after it was decided the impact of the pandemic was too great for the competition to be deemed fair.
The squad had had a spectacular season, raising the benchmark for women’s football at Margate and making many memorable moments and performances along the way.
In October, the side reached the final preliminary round of the FA Cup, the furthest the team has ever reached in this competition and matching the men’s record in the same competition.
In January, yet another record was set by the team, after making the semi-final stage of the Kent FA Plate. To reach the semi’s, the team beat top of the table XL, 3-0, in extremely blustery conditions.
The route to this final was nothing short of remarkable. Starting with a bye, the Blues then went on to face local team Baypoint FC in the second round. They won this match comfortably, scoring eight times, with five different goal scorers.
In round three, the ‘Gate were fortunate to draw another home fixture, against reigning champions, Tonbridge Wells Foresters. These competitors had knocked out Margate last season in the semi-final stage, after a gruelling set of penalties. They later went on to win the competition. A dominant Margate performance led the side to a 3-1 victory and through to the quarterfinals.
This time the side drew an away fixture against Sittingbourne FC. Having a colourful history with this team, the team travelled with apprehension, determined to show their ability. After heading in level at the break, Margate returned to the field dominant and a second half brace from Paige Godden settled the game and secured their place in the semi-final!
The Blues found themselves back at home for the semifinal, facing Parkwood. Prior to the fixture the two teams had only met once this season with Parkwood narrowly taking the victory against a depleted Margate side. Again, the Blues delivered a high intensity performance. Quick off the mark and uniformed in their press, Margate were able to force two own goals from the travelling side and doubled their total with goals from Esmee Kew-Stroud and Paige Godden.
With a strong season finishing third in the league and narrowly losing in the league cup final to Tonbridge Angels Women’s FC, 2-1 after 120 minutes of play. The team looks to build and grow for the up-and-coming season and push for silverware.
Steph and her team have done an amazing job, creating a team that shows true passion and commitment. They can take pride in what they have achieved this season and look forward to the new season with true optimism.
FLEUR CHARMAN
MANAGER’S PLAYER OF THE SEASON © 2024 Oakley Photosport
Today’s fixture was the product of many many months of hard work. This team have trained intensely, learned new patterns of play, developed individually and collectively to create an exciting environment. One that gives me moments of goosebumps every match, one that fills my heart with pride and one that I am so honoured to be a part of. A safe and happy environment where the youth players have role models and a future within the club.
As I walked from the pitch today, I had many conversations surrounding the team, their elite standard of play and to quote more than one, how they are ‘a credit to the women’s game’ - for me, this is better than any piece of silverware we could have obtained today. To stand out as a team who not only play good football but help to grow the game is second to none and the greatest achievement of all.
In a moment of frustration and disappointment we must remember the milestones this team have made this season and the mountains they have moved. Particularly in the last 10 weeks, the growth has been extortionate. There are so many achievements worth note, it would be impossible to list them all, but I am looking forward to celebrating them at our end of season presentation.
I want to reassure you all that this growth will continue! Dan and I are committed to the team and club, we will continue to push both on and off the pitch, to grow the team, support the club, squeeze every ounce of potential from these players and build on the firm foundations we have developed.
MANAGER’S PLAYER OF THE SEASON FLEUR CHARMAN
ANDY EVERSON AWARD ABBIE GREETHAM
GRAHAM POYSER AWARD EMILY HALL
GOAL OF THE SEASON REBECCA NIBLETT
2023/24 GOLDEN BOOT PAIGE GODDEN
NORTHWOOD AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION DAVID HARRIS
SUPPORTER OF THE SEASON JOHN HUFFMAN
SUPPORTER’S PLAYER OF THE SEASON JJ SPELLER
PLAYER’S PLAYER OF THE SEASON JESSICA COLTHAM-LAI
COACH’S PLAYER OF THE SEASON ABBIE LUBY
E: W: T:
Andy was an integral part of the club, and as well as his duties as Supporters Club Chairman, he undertook several volunteer roles within the club, including driving the supporter’s minibus to all away fixtures, raising funds by selling 50-50 Matchday raffle tickets, undertaking mascot duties as ‘Margator’ and dedicating his time to support our community trust homeless project.
Andy will be missed immensely around the club, and we send our thoughts to the loved ones and close friends of Andy, a true Margate legend.
Michael Foley and other members of the RFSA describe Kevs passion for football, Arsenal and the Rams…
On the 30th April 2024 Ramsgate FC unfortunately played the last game of the season as they were knocked out of the play-off’s by Chichester FC, and against the run of the seasons play.
And tragically, it was the last game Ramsgate FC supporter legend Kevin Stupples would ever see. Kevin went to bed after the game but passed away during the night.
Kevin started supporting AFC (Arsenal Football Club) as soon as he could kick a ball. His love of AFC and the game led him to be a regular supporter attending all the games during the ‘Invincible years’. He was at White Hart Lane when they won the Premiership in 2004 – a hard act to follow!
And that ‘hard act’ became Ramsgate Football Club (RFC). As time went on, Kevin became more and more involved at RFC as a supporter attending all the matches he could, home and away, comerain come-shine. Kevin not only supported RFC by going to the games he could, but he got involved in helping out at the ground doing general maintenance and doing stuff like fitting all the seats in the stand. He was a very active RFSA (Ramsgate Football Supporters Association) committee member – he really had the best interests of the supporters and the club at heart.
Everybody seemed to know him, and he seemed to know everybody. Kevins sudden departure to the great football ground in the sky has shocked the whole club. But as we walk up Prices Avenue and through the turnstiles, his ever-positive spirit will be present, and he will live on forever at the ground and in our hearts and minds.
It was a tough season for the Gate as the team struggled to hit form after disappointing losses to Harrow Borough in
the Isuzu FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round and Chesham United in the Emirates FA Cup Third Qualifying Round, all within a space of a week. The Gate never seemed to recover from the losses and had a bad string of form throughout the season with inconsistent performances and seeming slightly off the pace. Despite catching fine form towards the end of the season, where Margate amounted 14 points in eight games, it simply wasn’t enough to ensure their League safety.
Their best run of the season came at the very end, enough to keep them in the running for survival until the final day, consisting of four wins and two draws losing only to Champions Hornchurch and Billericay.
What seemed an insurmountable gap before they started the run was reduced to just three points on the final day.
Sadly, Margate gave themselves too high a mountain to climb, and with Cheshunt picking up results in tandem with them, their relegation from the Isthmian League Premier Division was confirmed.
“The first thing I want to achieve is to stabilise the club, to get the club back on track, get the fans seeing games being won and getting the team back to winning ways. It’s a really difficult challenge after only winning 9 games in the league last year. You’ve got to do better than that, a lot more than that. It’s difficult to say to a team after only winning a
quarter of their games to go and win over half if not more. There’s a change in mentality that needs to happen, in some ways a good way to have a rebuild. It’s something where I can come in and put my own skin on things, I’m obviously a young manager so I’m looking for this to be a long-term project. I’m sure the club are in a similar position themselves as well and so far we’ve been able to recruit a really good team which will be competitive.
Our objective must be towards the top end of the table, and we obviously want to get back into the division that we belong. But I think the focus originally must be rebuilding the team, getting back to winning ways and getting a good feel about the club again. That comes from interacting with every part of the football club to ensure that we are bringing youth players through whenever we can, giving youth players opportunities and being part of the youth set up as well, making sure the club feel part of the squad and the squad feel part of the club.”
A FANTASTIC 3-0 AWAY WIN AT BEARSTED CONFIRMED THE U23’S AS SCEFL DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE CHAMPIONS!
AN INCREDIBLE
The young players had an amazing season. Margate U23’s clinched the SCEFL Development League after a 3-0 away win at Bearsted FC!
This topped off their incredible form throughout the season, showing incredible teamwork and individual brilliance from the likes of Louie Hoxhaand and Reece Greig.
Salim Usman (Manager) has done amazing work with this group of lads after Paul Lamb stepped down due to increased work commitments and he took the mantle after being assistant manager.
Even though the side had a dissapointing defeat to Bearsted U23’s in the Kent Intermediate Cup in December, this didn’t demoralize them in the slightest, and despite a couple of closely battled losses they pushed on and had some emphatic wins to secure the title.
Salim and his team have done an incredible job moulding these players into a force to be reckoned with and we are hoping to see some of the young stars feature in the first team in the 2024/25 season.
It’s been an impressive preseason run from The Blues with Greenhalghs’ side showing the fans what they have in store for the new season. With a string of strong performances, Margate look ready for the new season with the new players settling in nicely and through team building activities; such as a golf day where all the players and club staff attending, creating a real connection between everyone at the club.
Whitstable Town
- 0 Dover Athletic
- 2 Concord Rangers
- 1 Dartford FC
- 2 Tonbridge Angels
Folkestone Invicta
- 2
2
- 0
The Blues had an impressive victory over Folkestone Invicta FC to obtain the Sid Burvill Trophy, after a tightly contested game with both teams playing well and cancelling each other out. Penalties followed the full-time whistle and The ‘Gate would score all five with Harry Hudson scoring the winning spot kick!
BEN GREENHALGH
VINNIE BOWMAN
GABRIEL DUO
LEWIS KNIGHT
TYRONE STERLING
FYN RUTHERFORD
HARRY HUDSON
STEVE CAWLEY
KADELL DANIEL
SAM BLACKMAN
MARK STIMSON (MANAGER)
HARRY SEADEN
TOBY STEVENSON
HARRUISON HATFULL
LUKAS FRANZEN-JONES
JAMES BESSEY-SALDANHA
TOM WRAY
HARVEY BRAND
ADAM FLANAGAN (ASSISTANT MANAGER)
ROSSI CRAIG
BRANDON DAVEY
IBRAHIM OLUTADE
JORDON ABABIO
REECE HOBBS
VINNIE BOWMAN RETAINED
“I THANK THE CLUB FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY AND LOOK FORWARD TO STEERING US BACK TO WINNING WAYS!”
MARGATE FC ARE DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THAT BEN GREENHALGH WILL BE PLAYER/MANAGER FOR THE 2024/25 CAMPAIGN!
Greenhalgh has been a Blue since the 2021/22 season, where as a player, he lit the blue touch paper, scoring 24 goals and assisting 28 times, becoming an instant fan favourite around Hartsdown Park.
Since then, he has continued to play and give his all for Margate FC, reaching 100 appearances at the club during the 2022/23 season and surpassing the 50-goal mark, towards the end of last season!
Greenhalgh also has experience as part of the coaching team, as he was player/assistant manager, where he helped aid the club on an incredible Kent Senior Cup run which ended with the ‘Gate lifting the trophy at Priestfield Stadium!
After a long and thorough process, with plenty of applicants for a new manager, Ben stood out to Margate FC, having already dedicated three years to the club, and his ambitions align with theirs, to bounce straight back up to the Isthmian Premier Division!
Upon his appointment as manager, Ben said: “It’s a privilege to, not only be part of this club as a player, but to join some great managers in the history books of Margate FC, is not something I take for granted.”
SAT, 10 AUG 2024 A AFC CROYDON ATHLETIC 0-1 ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SOUTH EAST 3:00PM
SAT, 17 AUG 2024 H SOUTHALL 5-0 EMIRATES FA CUP PRELIMINARY ROUND 3:00PM
SAT, 24 AUG 2024 H SITTINGBOURNE ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SOUTH EAST 3:00PM
MON, 26 AUG 2024 A DEAL TOWN
ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SOUTH EAST 3:00PM
SAT, 31 AUG 2024 H HYTHE TOWN ISTHMIAN SOUTH EAST 3PM
SAT, 7 SEP 2024 A SHEPPEY UNITED ISUZU FA TROPHY 1ST QUALIFYING ROUND 3:00PM
TUE, 10 SEP 2024 H ASHFORD UNITED ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SOUTH EAST 7.45PM
SAT, 14 SEP 2024 A STEYNING TOWN COMMUNITY ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SOUTH EAST 3:00PM
SAT, 21 SEP 2024 H SEVENOAKS TOWN ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SOUTH EAST 3:00PM
SAT, 28 SEP 2024 A HERNE BAY ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SOUTH EAST 3PM
SAT, 10 AUG 2024 H EAST GRINSTEAD TOWN 0-0 ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SOUTH EAST 3:00 PM
SAT, 17 AUG 2024 H LOXWOOD FC 4-0 EMIRATES FA CUP PRELIMINARY ROUND 3:00 PM
FRI, 23 AUG 2024 A ASHFORD UNITED ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SOUTH EAST 7:45 PM
MON, 26 AUG 2024 H HERNE BAY - WE ARE BALL SPONSORS FOR THIS GAME ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SOUTH EAST 3:00 PM
SAT, 31 AUG 2024 A BECKENHAM TOWN ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SOUTH EAST 3:00 PM
SAT, 07 SEP 2024 A HANWORTH VILLA FC ISUZU FA TROPHY 1ST QUALIFYING ROUND 3:00 PM
TUE, 10 SEP 2024 H DEAL TOWN ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SOUTH EAST 7:45 PM
SAT, 14 SEP 2024 A BURGESS HILL TOWN ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SOUTH EAST 3:00 PM
SAT, 21 SEP 2024 H THREE BRIDGES ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SOUTH EAST 3:00 PM
TUE, 24 SEP 2024 A RAMSGATE KENT SENIOR CUP FIRST ROUND 7:45 PM
SAT, 28 SEP 2024 A ERITH TOWN ISTHMIAN LEAGUE SOUTH EAST 3:00 PM
THERE’S MAGIC HAPPENING EVERY MONDAY NIGHT UNDER THE FLOODLIGHTS OF HARTSDOWN PARK. AWAY FROM THE MAIN PITCH, TUCKED AROUND THE CORNER IN THE UNASSUMING CAGES, A COMMUNITY IS THRIVING.
MAN v FAT Margate launched February 14th, 2022. Valentine’s day flowers & romance were swapped for footballs and bromance as twenty-two men started their journey to play the game they love, whilst looking to lose weight and get fitter. Fast forward just over two years later and a community now exists which supports over 110 men each week, in which over 1,400kg has been lost between them.
MAN v FAT is an award-winning weight loss programme which provides guidance, resources and community support to thousands of men across the UK every year. Specifically for men with a BMI of 27.5 or higher, MAN v FAT offers a unique concept; a football league where losing weight adds directly to your team’s score. Every game played has the result calculated by how many goals are scored on the pitch, plus how many goals are scored from losing weight. The more you lose as a team, the more goals you score. Team accountability, consistency and the competitive nature of a football has proven this to work well, especially at Margate, which is a flagship club within the 150 club program.
Such has been the success at Margate, expansion has just been announced, adding two further teams into the league. This means additional spaces have now been opened to help more men get involved and lose weight.
The club is managed by Adam Ratcliffe, who himself lost over 7 stone as a player before taking over the role. Adam runs the league and encourages players each week through challenges and accountability.
OVER 1,400KG LOST
87 PLAYERS HAVE LOST 5%
44 PLAYERS HAVE LOST 10%
28 PLAYERS HAVE LOST 15%
13 PLAYERS HAVE LOST 20%
5 PLAYERS HAVE LOST 25%
4 PLAYERS HAVE LOST 30%
3 PLAYERS HAVE LOST 35%
1 PLAYER HAS LOST 40%
WE CAUGHT UP WITH ADAM TO ASK WHAT BEING A MAN V FAT FOOTBALLER MEANT TO HIM:
“Being a MAN v FAT footballer changed my life. It helped me lose weight I’d carried for years and keep it off! Ability doesn’t matter, it doesn’t matter if you’ve never kicked a ball, haven’t played since school or even fancy yourself as Messi’s younger cousin… twice removed, we’re all here for the same reason; helping each other to be fitter and improve our health.
I now have the rewarding role coaching MAN v FAT Margate and supporting the many successes. I’d love to welcome more guys to do the same. We’re one big family, here for each other and here for our local community. In the last year alone, we’ve raised almost £10,000 for charitable causes, whilst improving our physical and mental health. The club continues to go from strength-to-strength and the expansion to twelve teams is a true testament of that but we’re not stopping there. We’re also in the process of launching an exclusive pilot league for men aged over 50”.
Construction
Electrical
Plumbing
Windows & Doors
Fascia Soffits & Guttering
Carpentry
Bathrooms & Kitchens
Renovations
Project Management
Waste Removal
Recycling
Product Sourcing
Gardening & Landscaping
Demolition
Plastering & Rendering
Ben James Greenhalgh is an English footballer who plays as a midfielder or striker. He is the newly appointed playermanager of Margate Football Club. He is noted for winning the football reality show Football’s Next Star, where he won a contract at Italian giants Inter Milan. We discussed with Ben his incredible career and his plans for Margate FC after being appointed manager.
WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO BE THE WINNER OF FOOTBALL’S NEXT STAR, HOW DID IT FEEL?
So, it was obviously a long time ago now, I think it was 15 years ago now when it actually happened and it was something where it was a bit unknown as it was a new TV show.
There had been sort of things that had been like Football Icon that weren’t as well produced as such in terms of reality shows and going out to Italy and meeting Jose Mourinho and things like that. So, it was all very big at the time, and we took it in our stride all of the players and that’s probably the main reason why I ended up winning it because I was performing when I need to and at the time I adapted to the Italian lifestyle very well and I was eager to give something different a go. It was something that I’ll always be known for which I’m fine with but obviously looking back it was a great opportunity to be around such big names and being part of a club that historically are well known.
YOU GAINED A CONTRACT WITH INTER MILAN, AND PLAYED UNDER JOSE MOURINHO. WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO BE COACHED BY SUCH A LEGEND OF THE GAME?
When you look at all the players at the time its how much respect they had for him. Every time that he spoke everybody listened, he had an aura about himself and the way he coaches, and you believed what he was saying. That you trusted in what he was saying and when you look at it, it was the reason that he was so successful and is so successful at many clubs, because of the way he had that demeanour about himself and the way he carries himself.
YOU WAS PART OF THE FIRST TEAM ALONG WITH SUCH LEGENDS OF THE GAME AS WESLEY SNEIJDER, ESTEBAN CAMBIASSO, SAMUEL ETO’O, PATRICK VIERA AND MARIO BALOTELLI. WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO TRAIN WITH SUCH SUPERSTARS?
At the time it was probably easier training with the first team, than it was with the reserves because with the reserves they had that little bit more fight, everyone’s desperate to make it. You are all battling for your career, whereas with the first team everyone’s a little bit more stable, and it’s a bit more of an enjoyment phase where you are taking on tactical information.
So, you’d step into the first team training, and it would feel a little bit more relaxed, a bit easier. But deep down it was the quality levels that just gave a completely different gear. With players like Viera, you just can’t get the ball off him. I remember at the time, the one that stood out for me the most was Queresma. But with Queresma, he was one that had a lot of things going on off the field and he had a bit of spell in his career where he was playing the highest-level week-in week-out. But he was a player that could have been one of the best, and just seeing him in training, there are players who just stand out above the rest.
Coming up against players like Lúcio. That’s the first time the nerves really hit me but after that I took it in my stride and sort of jump on it and made the most of the opportunity - because I knew that opportunity wasn’t going to stay around forever. Being part of it, playing with them, being respected by players that were world class was the biggest thing to take out of it, giving yourself confidence and knowing that nothing after that could phase me.
I loved my time at Inverness, it was probably one of the best times I have had in football. We had a really good group of players, where most of us weren’t from Inverness but we were there enjoying the lifestyle, being with each other dayto-day. We had a really good group and ended up coming third in the SPL, which got us into the Europa League. That in itself was a great achievement, and we got to the cup final that year; and luckily the following year they went on to win the cup. It was a really brilliant group. I was slightly unlucky at the time because I was brought in by Terry Butcher and he was the one that wanted me, and I played a few games and was building my way into the team.
Unfortunately he moved to Hibs at the time it was seen as
a positive move but then Hibs actually ended up struggling so he put himself in a difficult situation. The manager that came in changed things about a little bit and it was one of those moments where management comes in and they have certain players they want to play and sometimes you are on the other side of it. That was difficult for me, but I still enjoyed my time there, I was part of a great team, a great fanbase and a really good culture.
We were doing really well, we hit limits that Inverness probably would have never expected to hit. It’s a shame looking back now, I still stay in touch with the players and looking out for their results, and they’ve been relegated twice since. I was lucky enough and fortunate enough to say that I played in their glory days, however still looking out for the club and hoping they can get back up again.
SINCE JOINING MARGATE FC 3 YEARS AGO YOU HAVE BEEN A FAN FAVOURITE AND HAD EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCES AND YOU ARE A TRUE ROLE MODEL FOR UPCOMING TALENT COMING THROUGH FOR THE CLUB AS WELL AS BEING A BRILLIANT LEADER ON AND OFF THE PITCH. WHAT WERE YOUR GOALS WHEN SIGNING FOR MARGATE FC AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE CLUB?
I think Jay Saunders was a big factor as I made the decision to leave Tonbridge Angels. I played 250 games in the Conference of the Conference South within the space of 5 years. So, I knew dropping down a level was going to be a bit of a mental task as I hadn’t really ever dropped down. It had to be for the right club, I’ve always known Margate as a big club, obviously played against them in the Conference South plenty of times and I knew it was a club I’d want to be part of. Having the 3G as well suits to my game, playing better football and trying to score goals. So, I knew it could work out well and that was the main thing. I knew obviously we had an ambition of being successful, and looking back that year, probably with our Velocity Cup run, it killed our league form. I think we ended up being 9 points out of the play offs, finishing 8th.
We spent 3 or 4 games resting players for the Velocity Cup.
I remember starting on the bench twice in league games where we had the semi-final that week and the final the following week. Looking back on it we probably had an opportunity to get into the play offs and at the time it was hard because you had to focus on one thing, and we were focussing on both, but we had to manage our minutes. It really took a toll on where we finished in the league, we got to the cup final but unfortunately, we didn’t do well enough, but that was an experience in itself.
That has made me want Margate to succeed and the last 2 years things haven’t been good enough and obviously when Jay left it was going to be a change. I personally have been trying to get the best out of myself and feel I have got the best out of myself, but we probably haven’t had that core of players that were around it enough to be successful and it proved the last 2 years how difficult that league is.
We paid the hard price. I think we got 40 points or maybe over 40 points after a good run at the end of last season. I know we caught up to Chestnut, but it proves how difficult it is to stay in that league. It’s frustrating as it puts us down a league this season, but it gives us a new challenge.
The first thing I want to achieve is to stabilise the club, to get the club back on track, get the fans seeing games being won and getting the team back to winning ways. It’s a really difficult challenge after only winning 9 games in the league last year. You’ve got to do better than that, a lot more than that. It’s difficult to say to a team after only winning a quarter of their games to go and win over half if not more. There’s a change in mentality that needs to happen, in some ways a good way to have a rebuild. It’s something where I can come in and put my own skin on things. I’m obviously a young manager so I’m looking for this to be a long-term project. I’m sure the club are in a similar position themselves as well and so far we’ve been able to recruit a really good team which will be competitive. Our objective must be towards the top end of the table, and we obviously want to get back into the division that we belong. But I think the main focus originally must be rebuilding team, getting back to winning ways and getting a good feel about the club again. That comes from interacting with every part of the football club to ensure that we are bringing youth players through whenever we can, giving youth players opportunities and being part of the youth set up as well, making sure the club feel part of the squad and the squad feel part of the club.
DO YOU FEEL BEING A PLAYER MANAGER WILL AFFECT
I don’t think so, we put a lot of time into the off season to make sure we get things right and to go down the route we want to go down with player and management style. The way we’ve managed to work it, I’m really happy with
it already. Speaking with all the players, the balance is working really well. I’ve purposefully brought in the right players that will fit that balance. I think the majority of players know that I’ve been a full-time coach for years, we’ve been quite successful at Dartford Academy having our own project down there. It’s more of a case now of getting things done and getting things done properly and doing things the right way getting everyone on the wavelength. We’ve had a discussion about the philosophy we want to play and there is going to have to be a lot of topping up needed on that to make sure we are all on the same wavelength. I think the best thing is that if things aren’t working, it’s probably more the players not understanding what we are looking for and that will come down to myself, to make sure I put on the right sessions and explain things in the correct way so that everyone is on the same wavelength and on the same understanding level. We are going to be fine, we are going to be getting things into good patterns and be looking like a really positive team.
So, with myself playing I think everyone understands that I’m needed to play. We are going to have to make decisions when they come and that will be down to me as a player as well. Everyone there knows I’ve been a player for the last 3 years at Margate and previously before that, I don’t see it being an issue, none of the players see it being an issue, and that’s the way we need to keep it. If we all work hard for each other, we will be in a good position.
ARE THERE
At the moment we purposefully looked at certain players and how they fill certain positions and the way that we want to play, and so far, I think we’ve covered everything which is a really good position to be in. I think we’ve covered every type of position that we are looking for, there’s different players in different positions that we want to play, players that can meet a certain role. We are very happy at where we are at on that side of things, we are not actively trying to sign players, however one job as a manager is to always be on the lookout and you’ve got to be watching players and keeping an eye on players.
We’ve got a massive list of players that we had interest in but there is still opportunity to add if an opportunity arises. We expect our players to push each other and demand the best out of each other, we’ve had the conversation that not everyone is going to start every single game of football. We have to work together and work as a team. If you are in the team you have to make sure you are working hard to be in that team and if you are on the bench, you’ve got to be working hard to get into that team as well. That probably sets us up into giving a few youth boys opportunities over preseason, we are bringing 5 into preseason training and we are going to give them the opportunity to showcase themselves in training and they are also going to get the opportunity in preseason games. We are going to build something and help those players progress and at the right time. Hopefully down the line Margate are looking at those youth players being part of the squad.
I think commitment is a massive thing and I’m noticing that more this side of the bridge as you require the commitment of footballers. It’s difficult as we all have different lives. I was lucky enough as my mum and dad would take me anywhere within football and help me with any opportunities. I was always at every single possible session; I was always there early to make sure I was ready. The next step is to make sure you are physically ready; I’ve always been a big believer in fitness. I believe if you are a young lad coming through, you’ve got to be at your maximum, you have to give yourself the best chance. If you get those opportunities you have to be at the best you can be, as committed as you can be and then try your hardest to take that opportunity. I think myself, as a manager, if a young lad comes on and performs poorly it’s not like we are not going to see him again. We will filter them back in and make sure we time things right again. Every player will make mistakes, every player will feel different types of nerves. So, we have to manage that, but at the same time I think you have to show all that commitment and management yourself to show that you really want it, and if you have that desire as a younger lad, I’m always happy to give that opportunity and if you are given that opportunity you take it.
THE RIVALRY WITH RAMSGATE FC ESPECIALLY NOW YOU ARE IN THE SAME LEAGUE?
Obviously, it’s a big rivalry, I’ve been here long enough to understand that. It’s actually a game that I’m really looking forward to, and these are the games that any footballer would want to play in. I’m sure there is going to be nearly 2000 fans, home and away, if not more. As a player those are the games you want to be part of and you want to be on the right end of it. It’s brilliant to have that opportunity, it’s not ideal we’ve had to drop down a division to have that.
Ramsgate, they’ve been at the top end of the division for 3 years and I think we have to learn a little bit from the way they’ve managed things. They’ve brought in some brilliant players, had big squads and are a very good team over the last 3 years and they’ve always been up there but they still haven’t been promoted themselves. I think everyone in the club wants us to get straight back up there. I want us to get straight back up, but when you look at what Ramsgate have done with things we have to take an eye to it and look to how we can do it ourselves. When they’ve done all they’ve done and still struggled to get back up, I think they will be the ones looking to win the league, as they were last year, It will be a case where we are going to try and battle with them. It’s exciting for Thanet people, it’s exciting for Margate and Ramsgate fans and obviously it’s a rivalry we can continue. I’ve only played in the rivalry 3 times; one Thanet cup game, that was my first where I started to realise how big it was, and that was my first preseason and I managed to score a hat trick in the first 25-30 minutes. It was one we were definitely on the right end of, we then met them the following year in the Thanet Cup, and they beat us at Margate.
That was a bitter one to take as it was a poor game from both teams on a typical hot preseason day, they managed to get the goal and Ramsgate had the bragging rights. Toward the end of the season, we met them again in the semi-final where there was a massive number of people in Hartsdown Park, that caused a delay of 15 minutes to kick off due to the amount of people trying to get in.
That was another one where I managed to score early in the game, and we managed to top the performance and get to the Kent Cup final that we went on to win. So, for each club, its bragging rights, and it’s not a game you want to lose because I’m sure there’s 6 months between each fixture and you don’t want to spend 6 months in Thanet hearing that one team won. Like I said in the beginning, it’s going to be a game we really look forward to, I’m sure the players that have been part of it before will want to win and I’m sure the new players will surely get educated throughout the season of how those games are going to go about.
The Football Fun Factory was created to provide incredible childhood football experiences for boys and girls of all ages and ability levels. Our mission is to use the nation’s passion for football as a vehicle for child development. We believe that the focus should not be simply on development or progression… we should be focusing on having fun!
Our ethos is all about creating an incredible environment where children can express themselves, play, make friends and have fun!
The Football Fun Factory was created to provide incredible childhood football experiences for boys and girls of all ages and ability levels. Our mission is to use the nation’s passion for football as a vehicle for child development. We believe that the focus should not be simply on development or progression… we should be focusing on having fun!
Our ethos is all about creating an incredible environment where children can express themselves, play, make friends and have fun!
25 years after the club’s last appearance in the First Round Proper of the FA Cup, Margate were drawn to play Division Two (now Premier League) club Fulham at Hartsdown Park. The Cottagers had recently been taken over by Harrods boss Mohammed Al Fayed and new managerial team Kevin Keegan and Ray Wilkins had spent heavily rebuilding the Fulham side. It was the plum draw for Margate and the tie attracted Sky’s cameras with the match being shown live by the satellite broadcaster after it was switched from Saturday to Sunday.
Pre-match publicity saw Bad Manners frontman Buster Bloodvessel heavily, in every sense, involved, and even resulted in an album being hastily put together by Link Music, Margate’s sponsors at the time. A capacity crowd of 5,100 saw the game, some from two temporary stands erected opposite the old main stand, and a Mark Munday penalty gave Margate an early lead. A cruel deflection saw Fulham equalise later in the first half and the Londoners won the tie with a second half goal, although Margate’s Paul Sykes had a golden chance to equalise with time running out.
A game I remember fondly, I went with my grandad (Charlie Goldsmith - Mayor of Ramsgate at the time) and remember the atmosphere was outstanding. Everyone had a sense of community, and the draw had brought everyone together in supporting Margate in this amazing tie. The game had everything, the early lead from Mark Mundays spot kick, the cruel equalizer from the deflection, the deciding goal from Rob Scott and even the streaker (Becky Drewett). It was an incredible day and one I will remember fondly forever.
LEE TURNER
IAIN O’CONNELL
ELIOT MARTIN
BILL EDWARDS
ANDY BLONDRAGE
TONY DIXON
LEE SPILLER
MARK MUNDAY
PAUL SYKES
MARTIN BUGLIONE
PAUL LAMB
PAUL PILKINGTON
DAVID CORY
ANDRE ARENDSE
MARK BLAKE
ROBBIE HERRERA
RICHARD CARPENTER
SIMON MORGAN
MATT LAWRENCE
NEIL SMITH
PAUL BRACEWELL
ROB SCOTT
PAUL PESCHISOLIDO
PAUL WATSON
AS THERE ARE ALOT OF YOUTH TEAMS BASED IN THANET OVER ALL AGE GROUPS WE WILL FOCUS ON ONE TEAM EACH ISSUE. IF YOU ARE A MANAGER OF A YOUTH TEAM OR HAVE A CHILD PLAYING YOUTH FOOTBALL AND WOULD LIKE TO BE FEATURED IN THE NEXT ISSUE, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH.
Affiliated club football is a great environment to further enhance your love for the game, whilst getting access to FA qualified coaches and being part of a community with a pathway to continue your development and enjoyment within football. Playing for an affiliated club ensures that you are in an environment with the correct standards, where discipline is maintained and protects players, clubs, officials and administrators throughout the game.
An affiliated club will typically participate within an affiliated league, County FA competitions and sanctioned tournaments, which all provide an additional opportunity to develop and experience the game in a range of different settings.
Affiliated youth clubs play in affiliated youth leagues, playing within these environments are a great way to continue your learning and involvement within football and can be a positive introduction to competitive football.
An affiliated league is a recognition that the competition is taking place under the governance of the National Governing Body for Football, meaning that it will be subject to the FA’s Disciplinary processes, provide an additional safeguard to players and officials and have access to FA Qualified Referees.
Ashford and District Youth League
East Kent Youth League
Faversham and District Youth League
Kent Youth League - That we are covering
Maidstone Minor Football League
Maidstone Boys Primary League
Maidstone Invicta Primary League
Medway Messenger Youth League
North Kent Youth League
THERE ARE AN ADDITIONAL 2 YOUTH LEAGUES IN KENT FOCUSED ON GIRLS FOOTBALL AND DISABILITY FOOTBALL:
Kent Girls and Ladies League
Kent Disability Football League
The team has been through a few line ups since taking over with players moving about but there is still three from the original squad. This season I believe I have one of the strongest line ups since I took over and I am hoping the lads can really kick on and have a successful season.
I had not coached football before coming to the team but soon picked it up and through talking with other coaches managed to gather up a lot of good training tips and advice,
NIK LA’PLAIN
RAMSGATE BLACKS U9’S MANAGER
you never stop learning. I spend a lot of my time planning for the team by reading and watching training drills online. We are lucky at the club to have club secretary Ian Heath who has helped me on numerous occasions with advice. When we are not focusing on our team, we are all huge fans of the first team and try to catch every game. The club is great at interaction between the first team and the youth
teams, so much so that the kids idolise the players, which is a testament to our chairman James Lawson’s vision of a family club.
Our parents are another big part of the team and their commitment to our success and to me and Leah is fantastic in helping us teach the boys about discipline, teamwork, hard work and good sportsmanship.
This will be our first season playing seven-a-side and we have had 4 new boys join the squad taking us to ten players. They have been with us for a few months now and have formed a really good bond with the lads. Our top Scorer Magic Mike will have competition from the likes of existing player T, as well as new strikers to the squad Jaxson and Midfielder Amadou who got the first hat trick of the season in a friendly. The midfield is strong with the likes of Leo and Raphael and our defence looks solid with our rocks at the back Rueben and Jazz with our winger Magic Mike helping in both attack and defence. We try to meet up away from training regularly to encourage good teamwork and friendship between the lads. Pre-season has gone well as we have won two of the friendly’s we have played but have a few tougher ones coming our way to challenge us prior to the season starting.
We are fortunate that we have a set goalkeeper in Bug who’s ambition to play for the Ramsgate first team. Still has a way to go but is always willing to jump between the sticks and a great back up keeper in Jazz allowing the lads on the pitch to play good attacking football. I try not to put too much emphasis on winning as I believe you cannot appreciate the win without losing a few. I like to think in an average season we win, draw and lose equal games and as
we do not currently have a league table this allows the boys to treat every game as a cup final.
I am lucky to have a great young coach named Leah whom the boys love, and although only 16, is a great help to me when discussing the team and is full of good ideas going forward. We have given all the lads two positions this season. Their favourite position and a back up position I want them to learn. When we have our break over winter the second position will become their first and they’ll be given a third position to learn. This will allow them to comfortably play anywhere on the pitch when asked.
We have yet to see our fixtures for next season but wish all those in the leagues the best of luck and look forward to playing you, Come on you Blacks
HUDSON LA’PLAIN (AKA BUG)
I’VE BEEN IN THE TEAM SINCE THE BEGINNING AND I ALWAYS WANTED TO BE A GOALKEEPER.
I’VE MADE LOTS OF FRIENDS IN THE TEAM AND HAVE ENJOYED PLAYING MATCHES WITH THEM.
WE HAVE LOTS OF DAYS OUT AND SLEEPOVERS AND LOVE WATCHING RAMSGATE MATCHES TOGETHER.
MY FAVOURITE PLAYER IS TOM HADLER AND THE BEST BIT FROM LAST SEASON WAS BEING HIS MASCOT FOR THE FA CUP GAME AT AFC WIMBLEDON AND HIM GIVING ME HIS GLOVES AT THE END OF THE SEASON.
NIK BELIEVES IN TEAM BONDING AND TAKES THE PLAYERS OUT ON DAYS OUT
MICHAEL SPARK TOP SCORER
I am 8 years old (nearly 9) and have played for Ramsgate since I was 6. Not long after joining I was selected for the U7 Blacks team and my coach was Nik.
The best part of playing for Ramsgate is making friends. I have played football with lots of different people since starting and although people move teams, we all remain good friends. This has helped when I have been out at school events and see someone I know from football, it makes me feel less nervous. I have even encouraged friends from school to sign up and now see them when we play friendlies against their team.
We do a lot of extra sessions and fun activities outside of football. My favourite so far is the huge bouncy castle session at Betteshanger - it was a hot day but we had a lot of fun. We are planning to have a gel ball battle this weekend, so will be good to get revenge on the coaches and parents!
Throughout my training, I have been invited to outside training sessions to work on skills and this has boosted my confidence. Recently we did a session with my favourite Ramsgate Player TJ Jadama where we learned control skills and trick shots.
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PREMIER DIVISION
COUNTING HOUSE FC (FORMALLY SAINTS FC)
KINGS UNITED FC
TWS CRAMPTONS FC
FRAMES UNITED FC (FORMALLY PRO PARTS FC)
19TH HOLE FC
LANTHORNE FC
WINDMILL FC
FIRST DIVISION
MONKTON FC
HUSSAR FC
RED ARROWS FC
LESTERS ATHLETIC FC
MACIES FC
FC INTER WESTGATE
WESTWOOD FC
KING STREET ARMS FC
WESTGATE ON SEA FC
SECOND DIVISION
FRANKLINS FC
THE VALE FC
HUGIN VIKINGS FC
HOLMAN CARPENTRY FC
THANET ATHLETIC FC
SANDWICH TOWN FC
AUSSIE ARMS FC
PRINCE ALBERT FC
MANAGER - JAMIE COLLINS
Mens Sunday league football team based in Broadstairs, Kent
MAIN SPONSORS
PRINCE ALBERT PUB - BROADSTAIRS
Please Sir EZ Attire
SHRIMPOS FC
MANAGER - TERRY CROSBIE
Shrimpos FC is a team dedicated to Stephen Shrimpton aka Shrimpo. We will be playing in his honour while raising awareness for Epilepsy!
GARDEN BAR FC (FORMALLY S&S SERVICES)
PRINCE ALBERT FC
NORTHWOOD FC
SHRIMPOS FC
PREMIER DIVISION
19TH HOLE VS TWS CRAMPTONS
COUNTING HOUSE FC VS WINDMILL FC
FRAMES UNITED FC VS LANTHORNE FC
FIRST DIVISION
FC INTER WESTGATE VS LESTERS ATHLETIC FC
MONKTON FC VS RED ARROW FC
WESTWOOD FC VS HUSSAR FC
MACIES FC VS WESTGATE SOCIAL CLUB FC
NORTHWOOD FC VS KING STREET ARMS FC
SANDWICH TOWN FC VS HOLMAN CARPENTRY FC
FRANKLINS FC VS PRINCE ALBERT FC
AUSSIE ARMS FC VS THE VALE FC
GARDEN BAR FC VS SHRIMPOS FC
GROUP A
WINDMILL FC
LANTHORNE FC
19TH HOLE FC
LESTERS ATHLETIC FC
FRAMES UNITED FC
HUSSAR FC
GROUP B
TWS CRAMPTONS FC
RED ARROW FC
MONKTON FC
COUNTING HOUSE FC
MACIES FC
KINGS UNITED FC
GROUP A
THE VALE FC
THANET ATHLETIC FC
WESTGATE SOCIAL CLUB FC
FC INTER WESTGATE FC
PRINCE ALBERT FC
GARDEN BAR FC
FRANKLINS FC
GROUP B
SHRIMPOS FC
AUSSIE ARMS FC
NORTHWOOD FC
WESTWOOD FC
KING STREET ARMS FC
SANDWICH TOWN FC
HOLMAN CARPENTRY FC
We are the one stop shop for all the latest local football news from Thanet, providing a wide range of reviews and interviews from all sectors of the footballing world. We have a passion for football and feel that it should be shared with football fans from all over Thanet.
The magazine will be available to pick up from the turnstiles at The WW Martin Stadium (Ramsgate FC) & Hartsown Park (Margate FC), and will be available from key venues around Thanet. Copies will also be handed out at local football tournaments and charity events.
